What phenomenon occurs when suction pressure falls below vapor pressure corresponding to the water temperature in a hydraulic system?

The phenomenon that occurs when the suction pressure falls below the vapor pressure corresponding to the water temperature in a hydraulic system is cavitation. This occurs because the liquid (in this case, water) begins to vaporize in areas where the pressure is low enough to reach the vapor pressure of the liquid at a given temperature. When the pressure drops significantly, bubbles of vapor form and can collapse violently as they move into areas of higher pressure. This collapse can lead to damage to pumps, valves, and other components of the hydraulic system due to the shock waves generated by the implosions of these vapor bubbles.

Understanding cavitation is crucial for the design and maintenance of hydraulic systems, as it directly affects efficiency and longevity. Proper design can help ensure that the pressures throughout the system remain above vapor pressure at operating temperatures, preventing cavitation from occurring.